Two More Key Indiana Newspapers Endorse Obama

After Much Discussion, We Like Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama is the best candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination for president. He represents America's best chance for a real and positive change in direction for a country beset by an unpopular war and economic doldrums.

The United States is as polarized as it has ever been in its 232-year history. From the Oval Office all the way to Main Street, the division has paralyzed the country. Obama has demonstrated a unique ability to unite Americans of all ages, race and gender and has the best chance to end the culture war at home. He also could unify a country that that needs to pull together, not apart, if it expects to keep its position as world leader and restore its moral authority.

Restoring America's moral authority means finding a way to end the war in Iraq, which a majority of Americans now believe was a mistake. Obama, who opposed the war from the start, was right when he said at a Muncie appearance that if the Iraqis had not found a way to take control of their own country during the past five years, it was not likely to happen in the foreseeable future. The U.S. must find a way out of the Iraqi morass, and at the same time open a dialogue with other countries, particularly those in the Middle East, on stabilizing the region.

The fact that venerable former Indiana congressman and foreign policy expert Lee Hamilton, who was vice chairman of the Sept. 11 commission, has endorsed Obama should not be dismissed lightly.

"Barack Obama has the best opportunity to create a new sense of national unity and to transcend divisions within this country, not by ignoring them or smoothing them over, but by working together with candor and civility to meet our challenges," Hamilton said in a statement.

Obama has breathed new life into the Democratic party, helping to rebuild it into a 50-state party through his appeal to important and previously disaffected young voters. Youth are the future of our country, but both parties have either ignored or been unable to reach them for generations. The fact that many are paying attention now, thanks to Obama, bodes well for the future.

The Star Press Editorial Board does not ordinarily endorse candidates in primary races for a variety of reasons. The importance of the 2008 Democratic race and the fact that for the first time in 40 years Hoosier votes might actually make a difference in the outcome are why we are making an exception to this policy.

It was not an easy decision, nor was it unanimous. The opinions and political passions of our board members (whose names appear above) reflect those of Indiana as a whole. The Obama endorsement was the result of several volatile and, above all, fascinating discussions held over a period of about a month. At the beginning, there were more members undecided than espousing either candidate. In the final decision, as in the voting booth, undecided was not an option. Members selected who they would vote for if the election were held that day.

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are extremely smart, and it is obvious that both are more than capable of running this country. The differences in their positions on major issues are slim. But, we've had a preview of what a Hillary Clinton administration would probably look like, and while it might be an improvement over the present one, it would still reek of old, partisan politics.

Obama represents our best hope for a different kind of presidency with a different attitude that could lead to a better America. Change is a word that has become the key -- and the most overused -- word in this campaign. The truth is, however, a real change in the leadership style at the top could lead to change all the way down to Main Street. We need someone who will inspire us to be better as a people and as a country -- to change. Barack Obama is that person.

from the Gary Post-Tribune

Obama Represents Best Hope For Change

The buzz word in the race for the Democratic nomination for president has been “change” — change from the failed policies of President Bush, who has little positive to hold on to as he approaches the end of his presidency.

Barack Obama has taken the crusade for change a step further, calling for a change in the politics and policies of Washington and the country as a whole.

We recommend a vote for Obama because he potentially represents more of what is new than Hillary Clinton, who is part of the inside crowd in Washington.

While Obama and Clinton have very similar views on many of the key issues — health care, tax revision and ending the war in Iraq — true change and government reform can be brought about only through the unity of Republicans and Democrats across the country, but particularly on Capitol Hill.

Obama, in part because of his newness, represents the best hope for change. Should he be the nominee, Obama’s first task will be to unite the Democratic Party, fractured by many months of acrimonious campaigning. Should he succeed, it bodes well for what he could do for the country, bruised by the economy and the war, and left lacking in confidence of the government.

Obama, too, has pledged to take back Washington from the corporate PACs that he says made $470 million in political contributions to those in Washington during the last election cycle. We also are impressed that Obama largely has kept his campaign focused on the future and what he wants to accomplish, rather than attacking Clinton.

While Obama still needs to spell out more of the particulars for his plan for change, we see him as his party’s choice to do so. Still, should he not unite the party, then the voters likely won’t give him a chance to lead the country.